This free-verse poem has a life of its own,
so much so that the name Dorothy Law Nolte, who is the author,
is not as widely known as the poem she wrote in the 1950's.

At least one American artist has set the poem to music,
and recorded said setting.

Mrs. Nolte lived until 2005, which was long enough for her, as the author,
to copyright the poem and even to rewrite it slightly.
The version, "If children live with ... " is Nolte's,
re-written to eliminate gender bias,
as it says "they learn" instead of "he learns."

Here is the original.

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.   

If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.

If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world.

© Dorothy Law Nolte